Suspension - Front End Squeaks On Bumpy/Rough Roads
NUMBER: 05-49-10RDATE: 09/21/10
APPLICABILITY: 2010MY Legacy and Outback Models
SUBJECT: Squeak Type Noise from Front Suspension
INTRODUCTION
If you encounter a customer complaint of a squeak type noise coming from the front suspension when driving over rough roads, there is the possibility that the coil spring is rubbing on the lower strut bracket.
This issue mainly affects the left side; however there is a possibility that the right side can also be affected. To remedy the condition, the coil spring will need to be replaced, the strut will be reused. Refer to the repair procedure listed.
COUNTER MEASURE IN PRODUCTION
A small number of coil springs manufactured during the month of August 2009 had a slightly larger diameter coil which could cause the rubbing. The springs were primarily installed on the left, however there was a small percentage installed on the right.
PART INFORMATION
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Check clearance between bottom of coil spring and lower strut bracket.
REPAIR INFORMATION/PROCEDURE
Spring Replacement
REMOVAL
1) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.
2) Place an alignment mark on the camber adjusting bolt and strut.
3) Remove the brake hose bracket.
4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor harness.
5) Remove the two bolts securing the axle housing to the strut.
NOTE:
While holding the head of the adjusting bolt, loosen the self-locking nut.
6) Remove the three nuts securing strut mount to body.
DISASSEMBLY
1) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
2) Using the Special Tool (ST), remove the self-locking nut.
ST 20399AG000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET
3) Remove the strut mount, spacer and upper spring seat from the strut.
4) Gradually decrease the compression force of compressor, and remove the coil spring.
5) Remove the dust cover and helper.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE:
Prior to installing the spring, touch up the rub mark with a rust prohibitive paint.
1) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the new coil spring.
NOTE:
Make sure that the vertical install direction of the coil spring is as shown in the figure.
2) Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face seats well in the spring seat as shown in the figure.
3) Install the dust cover and helper to the piston rod.
4) Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the spring seat.
NOTE:
Position the upper spring seat as shown in the figure.
5) Install the spacer and strut mount to the piston rod, and temporarily tighten a new self-locking nut.
6) Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, tighten the new self-locking nut with ST.
ST 20399AG000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET
Tightening torque: 55 Nm (5.6 kgf-m, 40.6 fl-lb)
7) Loosen the coil spring compressor carefully.
INSTALLATION
1) Install the strut mount at the upper side of strut to body, and tighten it with new self-locking nuts.
Tightening torque: 20 Nm (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 fl-lb)
2) Align alignment marks on the camber adjusting bolt and strut. Using new self-locking nuts, install the strut to the axle housing.
NOTE:
While holding the head of adjusting bolt, tighten the self-locking nut.
Tightening torque: 155 Nm (15.8 kgf-m, 114.3 fl-lb)
3) Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor harness bracket to the strut.
4) Install the brake hose bracket.
Tightening torque: 33 Nm (3.4 kgf-m, 24.3 fl-lb)
5) Install the front wheels.
6) Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary
WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION